New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom

New Fantasyland is touted as the largest expansion in the 41-year history of the Magic Kingdom, doubling the size of original Fantasyland from 10 to 21 acres.

The New Fantasyland experience begins after passing through Cinderella’s castle walls and into the Enchanted Forest area, where the atmosphere captures the spirit of a Renaissance Faire.

It’s from here that guests are transported into classic Disney films like “Beauty and the Beast,” which is brought to life in a storytime with Belle experience at Maurice’s cottage as well as at Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts. (You may remember the village from a certain song…)

Just beyond the village square, whose central fountain bears an effigy of that “strong and handsome brute,” is Prince Eric’s Castle, the portal to “Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.”

The centerpiece of the Enchanted Forest is the Beast’s Castle, which overlooks the Forest and sits above the much anticipated Be Our Guest restaurant. A first of its kind at Disney World, the restaurant will offer both quick-serve lunches and full-service dinners.

Look for more of that innovation from the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster (still under construction.) It will feature first-of-its-kind, Disney-patented technology that allows the mine cars to swing side-to-side, independently, while the train is in motion.

Continuing further past Prince Eric’s castle is the other component of New Fantasyland, Storybook Circus. This is where children will find the perennial favorite “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant” ride. The ride was expanded to two spinners — much to the joy of line-hating parents — and is joined by “Pete’s Silly Sideshow” and “The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini” coaster.

In 2013, guests can look forward to the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall, where the princess will be available to meet her subjects. And, in 2014, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster will be open for thrills.